Celtics beat Mavs in Game 3 of Finals to move one win from title

For a few tense minutes in the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night, the Boston Celtics’ familiar demons seemed poised to resurface. Leading comfortably by 21 points with just over 10 minutes remaining, the Celtics watched as the Dallas Mavericks launched a furious 22-2 run. The dramatic comeback cut Boston’s lead to one point, threatening to revive the series. However, Boston managed to stave off disaster, holding Dallas to a single field goal over the final five minutes and securing a 106-99 victory. This win places the Celtics one game away from a record-setting 18th NBA championship, with an opportunity to clinch the title in Game 4 at the American Airlines Center.

Jaylen Brown: Learning from Past Mistakes

“Experience is the best teacher,” stated Jaylen Brown, who led the Celtics with 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists in 41 minutes. Reflecting on the team’s growth, Brown emphasized the importance of learning from past shortcomings. “All year long we’ve been hearing about the Celtics’ failures in the past. This is a new team. We’ve learned from those experiences. In these moments, you can see that we learned from it. We stepped up to the plate, and we found a way to win.”

Indeed, the Celtics appeared to have the game under control early, despite an initial 25-12 surge by the Mavericks fueled by Kyrie Irving, who scored 35 points. Boston responded with a dominant 79-45 run, establishing a commanding 91-70 lead early in the fourth quarter. The game seemed decided until Dallas’s unexpected resurgence.

The Mavericks’ Fightback: A Test of Boston’s Composure

Dallas’s comeback was swift and alarming for Boston. As the Celtics went 1-for-11 from the field and committed three turnovers over nearly eight minutes, the Mavericks cut the lead to a single point, thanks in part to an Irving layup. This was accomplished even with Luka Doncic fouled out moments earlier. However, Boston regrouped just in time. A crucial putback by Brown, followed by a Derrick White three-pointer and a Jayson Tatum dunk, helped the Celtics regain control and ultimately seal the victory.

“Yeah, I think just we had some turnovers, which allowed them to get out in transition,” White commented. “And just a couple of things that we’ve been doing really well, we kind of just let go of the rope for however many minutes that was. It seemed like, what, two minutes, they cut it to two, three or something. It happened quick, and we just settled back down. Understand it’s a game of runs, and we just trust what we do.”

Road Warriors: Celtics’ Dominance Away from Home

The victory in Dallas continued an impressive trend for Boston. The Celtics have excelled on the road throughout these playoffs, improving to 7-0 away from home. Over the past three postseasons, Boston’s road record of 21-7 represents the best winning percentage over a three-year span in NBA history, surpassing the mark set by the early 1990s Chicago Bulls. This resilience on the road has been a cornerstone of Boston’s success, allowing them to thrive under pressure in hostile environments.

Contributions Across the Board: Depth Shines for Boston

The Celtics’ victory was a testament to their depth and versatility. Backup center Xavier Tillman played a vital role, contributing 11 impactful minutes that included a corner three, four rebounds, and two blocks. Sam Hauser, coming off a disappointing Game 2, went 3-for-4 from beyond the arc and finished as a game-high plus-16 off the bench. Tatum, rebounding from a poor shooting performance in the previous game, added 31 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Brown and Tatum’s combined 61 points underscored their leadership and ability to perform in clutch moments.

One Win Away: Celtics Eyeing Historic 18th Championship

With a 3-0 series lead, the Celtics are on the brink of history, poised to move ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers for the most NBA championships. Yet, the team remains cautious. Boston’s experience in last year’s Eastern Conference finals, where they rallied from a 0-3 deficit to force a Game 7, serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the playoffs.

“Honestly, not too difficult from the standpoint of last year [when] we were down 0-3 in the conference finals, and we really felt like we were going to come back,” Tatum said. “We almost did. You know, we were [my] sprained ankle away from having a real shot. So, you know, we are not relaxing or anything like that. You know, not even focusing on winning or Friday or whatever. However long it takes, that’s our motto. However long it takes, that’s what it’s going to take, and nobody is not trying to relax at all.”

Focus on the Finish: Celtics Ready for Game 4

As they prepare for Game 4, the Celtics’ focus remains unwavering. Understanding the importance of not underestimating their opponent, Boston is determined to close out the series and secure their place in the record books. The American Airlines Center will once again be the battleground, with Dallas fighting to extend the series and Boston aiming to complete their championship quest.

The Celtics’ journey has been one of resilience, growth, and redemption. From overcoming past failures to excelling on the road and relying on contributions from the entire roster, Boston has demonstrated why they are on the verge of an 18th NBA title. As they gear up for Game 4, the Celtics stand ready to etch their names in history, driven by the lessons learned and the experiences gained along the way.

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